Relations between the two nations were strained in 2015 when the Himalayan country passed a controversial new constitution, sparking deadly protests and triggering a months-long border blockade many in Nepal accused New Delhi of backing.

The blockade caused a severe shortage of fuel and goods as Nepal struggled to recover from devastating earthquakes earlier that year.

The crisis also prompted Nepal to sign its first-ever fuel supply agreement with China to ease the shortage.

The inauguration of the pipeline came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Nepali counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

Beijing has been increasing its influence in Nepal, becoming one of the top development partners for the impoverished country and pumping in nearly $60 million in the last fiscal year into hydroelectricity, roads and other infrastructure projects.

Kathmandu in 2017 also signed up to Beijing’s ambitious global infrastructure drive Belt and Road Initiative.